Making Final Predictions for Mr & Miss Chinatown Philippines 2018 is a task I initially thought was easy. Just pick the most good-looking or charming among them and that’s it. Through the several weeks that I followed their journey, it became more clear that it takes more than good looks and smarts to take it all the way to the top. I learned on my own perception (plus random conversations with some of the organizers) that the strength of a candidate’s Chinese upbringing is also of paramount importance. And that is what makes this national pageant unique from the rest. Aside from having either full-Chinese or Chinoy lineage, it also takes into consideration the multi-lingual upbringing that reflects a good facility to speak in Mandarin or Fukkien, just as English or Filipino. It also helps a lot to see if the person has achieved a good balance of both Chinese and Filipino values, while maintaining the best inputs of each culture in his/her personality.

In that light, I present to you my fearless forecast to do well this coming Sunday.

My top pair is Lawrence Chua and Sabrina Ng. In my opinion, these two individuals brought the best all-around performance in the different aspects of the competition. Having said that, my #2 pair is also a very strong duo. Jason Dy Tan is well-loved in local pageant circles because of his effortless PR skills and unmistakable stage presence, while Mikel Yap Villamora possesses a strong drive to win on her best merits. And her efforts are always well-earned.

Occupying my 3rd to 6th positions are Matthan Yu & Marie Que, Brian Gocheco & Jann Caitlin Jao, Joel Chang & Rachel Tan, and Ian Anthony Tan & Carly Chua. If the breaks come their way, then I am pretty sure they will bring it on.

Meanwhile, my two spoilers are Moises Limyuen and Danica Yao because I see these two as underrated. Given their chance to shine, no opportunity will be wasted.

Best of luck to all the candidates of Mr & Miss Chinatown Philippines 2018!

It has been a pleasure covering the entire pageant. Special thanks to Chinoy TV Chairman Loraine Tan, Chinoy TV President Alvin Kingson Tan and Pageant Director Mikko Araneta who welcomed normannorman.com as one of their three official media partners for 2018.